Arabic version: إنقاذ متنزهة بعد سقوطها في نهر جليدي على مسار أوفرلاند

According to ABC News, experienced Tasmanian hiker Fiona Weaver was rescued by helicopter after weather deteriorated during a solo walk on the 65-kilometre Overland Track. Weaver, who runs an adventure tourism business with her husband, had planned the four-day trip with a friend, but continued alone after the friend withdrew.

Weaver said she carried an emergency locator beacon, six days of supplies and had arranged to meet another friend part-way through the walk. Travelling south to north, she said the first section went smoothly before an unexpected heavy downpour late on the second day prompted her to reconsider the journey.

After conditions cleared the next morning, Weaver continued through the Forth River Valley, where she encountered extensive park maintenance. Later that day, she fell from a wooden crossing into an icy river and was separated from her hiking bag. She said she was submerged in about 45 centimetres of water and used a torch on her wrist while allowing herself 10 minutes to find the pack.

Cold, soaked and exhausted, Weaver returned to New Pelion Hut, where she said there was no lighting and the heater was not working. She activated her beacon, changed into spare clothes and used an emergency blanket kept dry in her bag. Tasmania Police said it was notified at about 2:30am on Wednesday, July 29, that a woman had activated her personal locator beacon. Search and Rescue teams, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, found her shortly after 11am at Pelion Hut.

Weaver said the experience was not intended to discourage people, including women, from going outdoors, but to show that wilderness conditions can change despite planning. Police said several hikers had been assisted in Tasmania in recent weeks and urged bushwalkers to carry warm clothing, food and emergency communication devices, avoid walking alone, remain flexible and turn back or alter plans when severe weather develops.